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Have your say on Climate Change

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

By Print21

Printing Industries has launched an online survey seeking industry views on climate change and what should or shouldn’t be done about it.

The major survey begins by asking the fundamental questions of whether or not participants believe that climate change is an issue that needs to be addressed by the Federal Government and whether Australia should be seen to be leading the campaign to address climate change or should take a “follower” role.
It asks whether participants would support the Government’s proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) or would prefer a carbon tax.The Printing Industries Climate Change Surveyalso seeks industry opinion on support for the imposition of carbon tariffs on imported products originating from economies that either have no emission trading scheme or operate under less stringent environmental standards.Printing Industries national manager for policy and government affairs, Hagop Tchamkertenian, said the survey would help shape an industry position on what could become a trigger for double dissolution of Parliament should the Senate reject the Government’s proposed ETS legislation a second time.
“Our industry is a major industry and Printing Industries plans to convey the industry’s views directly to the Federal Government,” he said.
“This is important as under the proposed scheme the printing industry will be faced with increased energy, transportation and raw material costs.
“For example electricity costs are expected to increase by at least 7 per cent and soon after by another 13 per cent within the first years of the ETS coming into action. Prices are then expected to continue to increase in real terms. These costs will flow on to other products requiring electricity or fuel in their production.
“While the ETS remains the Federal Government’s preferred option others advocate the introduction of a carbon tax which is an environmental tax on emissions of carbon dioxide.”